Wild Things: Sporting Group Starts +ONE Movement

A gray squirrel and a ring-necked pheasant were among the visitors at a backyard bird-feeding site recently. Photo by Kevin Naze.

National Shooting Sports Foundation seeks to increase hunter numbers

Sales of Wisconsin fishing licenses and turkey-hunting permits have been strong this spring – two of the few bright spots in the ongoing battle with the coronavirus. With firearm sales also up, these may be signs of more citizens awakening to the importance of self-sufficiency. 

It helps that hunting and fishing are activities that naturally lend themselves to social distancing, but a vulnerable food supply chain could also be a reason why there’s been a significant increase in interest in wild edibles, including online searches and social-media posts. 

In the midst of the pandemic, Wisconsin canceled its Learn to Hunt programs this spring, but some states have loosened restrictions on getting new hunters afield. My guess is that, long term, we may be looking at some pretty major changes in hunter education. 

That might sound scary to some, but it needn’t be. Experienced, safety-conscious hunters are expertly qualified to mentor beginners. In fact, 11 years’ worth of the mentored hunting program in Wisconsin has shown that one-to-one hunting – an adult mentor with a beginning hunter who has not taken a state hunter-education course – has a nearly spotless safety record.

Recruitment, retention and reactivation – or R3 – have been the buzzwords in the face of a nationwide decline in hunter numbers for years. As part of a volunteer Wisconsin committee looking to be proactive on that front nearly a decade ago, I offered this simple advice: “If every hunter invited one new person to the sport this year, we’d double our numbers.” A lot of heads nodded. Then, on to the next suggestion.

Finally, a group is running with something similar. The National Shooting Sports Foundation has initiated the +ONE movement, asking hunters to consider inviting one new person to the sport this year.

Hunters are encouraged to learn more and sign a pledge at letsgohunting.org/plusonemovement, then share their experiences on social media. The site also offers resources about hunting apprenticeship programs, hunting regulations, firearm safety tips and nearby places to hunt.

Closer to home, you can review the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources’ R3 efforts at dnr.wi.gov/education/outdoorskills/r3.

National Safe Boating Week

With National Safe Boating Week underway, the U.S. Coast Guard is encouraging boaters to think safety all season. Even though you may be a safe boater, not everyone follows the same course. By planning for a worst-case scenario, you’ll be more prepared in an emergency situation.

Most boaters have a working marine radio, but keeping a cell phone in a waterproof float bag could save your life. There’s also the option of having an EPIRB – an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon – which transmits a distress signal if you get into trouble.

Remain sober when boating because alcohol is typically the leading factor in boating accidents, and it’s illegal to operate a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. 

More than two-thirds of boating accidents result in drownings. Always wear a quality life jacket, and have throwable flotation devices available. Also make sure your vessel is in good mechanical condition and that all safety equipment is on board. Operator inattention or inexperience, improper lookout, machinery failure and excessive speed are often contributing factors in accidents.

Dress for the water temperature because water is still cold this time of year and can rob a body of its heat 25 times faster than air. Monitor the weather, and tell someone where you’re going and when you expect to be back. If you change plans mid-voyage, let someone know.

New this year, the National Safe Boating Council is recommending that boaters be COVID-19 safe, which includes maintaining a safe distance at the fuel dock, washing hands frequently and disinfecting frequently touched objects.

Egg-zact Identification

Have you found a bird nest or a single bird egg, and you’re not sure what species it is? Check this out: uwgb.edu/biodiversity/richter/egg-intro.asp.

The Richter Museum of Natural History’s online guide to Wisconsin bird eggs is a searchable database of 250 species. Included are color photographs of eggs, descriptions of nests and clutch size, egg measurements and breeding-distribution maps.

In order to identify an egg, you’ll need more information than you might think because there’s a great deal of overlap in egg coloration, pattern and size. Note the habitat where you find an egg, the kind of nest and the number of eggs in the nest. 

Water-Levels Update

As of May 15, Lake Michigan was 34 inches above its 100-year average, seven inches higher than last year and three inches above the previous record. Flooding rains received across the basin earlier this week should lead to a substantial uptick when the new weekly totals are reported May 22.